Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 8, 2024 3:43 am GMT
As the WNBA regular season approaches its conclusion, a fierce competition for the final playoff spot has ignited among four teams: the Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics, and Dallas Wings. With only two weeks remaining before postseason play begins on September 22, the stakes have never been higher. Currently, seven of the eight playoff positions have been secured, and these teams are now in a critical battle for the last remaining slot.
Current Standings and Context
As of now, the Chicago Sky hold the coveted eighth position with an 11-22 record, sharing the same record as the Atlanta Dream. However, the Sky have a crucial tiebreaker advantage over the Dream, putting them one spot ahead. The Washington Mystics trail closely behind at 10-23, while the Dallas Wings sit at the bottom with a record of 9-24:
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Chicago Sky | 11-22 |
| 9 | Atlanta Dream | 11-22 |
| 10 | Washington Mystics | 10-23 |
| 11 | Dallas Wings | 9-24 |
The competition will further intensify as each team contemplates their options. While a playoff berth provides immediate recognition and exposure, a conclusion at the bottom of the standings could yield a favorable lottery position in the draft. Prominent prospect Paige Bueckers from UConn is projected to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, adding complexity to the playoff ambitions of these teams.
Team Breakdown: Assessing the Playoff Aspirants
The Atlanta Dream arguably face the most urgent need for a playoff appearance. They are without their 2025 first-round pick, which was sent to the Dallas Wings as part of the Allisha Gray trade. Moreover, if the Mystics claim the final playoff spot while retaining the Dream’s pick, the Dream could endure significant setbacks. With a defensive rating that ranks second in the league since the Olympic break, the Dream has shown their potential but must translate that into consistent wins.
The Dallas Wings, despite being plagued by injuries early in the season, can be a sleeper in this competition. Their injury woes have subsided, and with Arike Ogunbowale leading the charge as a top scorer, the Wings may yet make a late surge. Nonetheless, they are two games behind the eighth spot and need to outpace multiple teams to secure their place.
The Washington Mystics have exhibited resilience after a disastrous start. After beginning the season with a 0-12 record, they recovered to avoid a complete disaster, recently showing promise by winning several unexpected games. Their pathway to the playoffs, however, is challenging due to facing teams that are already playoff-bound in the remaining schedule. A successful final stretch will hinge on key players elevating their performances in crucial games.
The Chicago Sky once seemed poised for a playoff push but have struggled, losing seven consecutive games. Their recent losses expose a lack of offensive cohesion and big-game experience on the court, with first-year head coach Teresa Weatherspoon seeking solutions amid disappointing results. However, Chicago benefits from having four games against lower-ranked teams, providing an opportunity to reclaim their footing.
Kelsey Mitchell: A Beacon for the Indiana Fever
In contrast to the fight for the last playoff spot, the Indiana Fever have achieved a significant milestone, clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2016. Coach Christie Sides expressed particular pride in Kelsey Mitchell, the longest-tenured player on the roster, celebrating her journey through the franchise’s challenging years.
Mitchell’s persistent effort and dedication have driven her team’s recent success, culminating in a string of impressive performances that have bolstered the Fever’s playoff dreams. She has played a pivotal role, leading the Fever to a 5-1 record in August and helping to achieve the team’s first above-.500 record in years.
Upcoming Matchups and Implications
As the regular season draws to a close, upcoming games will significantly impact playoff scenarios. The Chicago Sky’s crucial matchup with the Atlanta Dream on September 17 is pivotal, offering both teams a chance to solidify or jeopardize their playoff aspirations. Each team must capitalize on their remaining games to either secure a postseason position or enhance their lottery prospects.
Recent Trends and Looking Forward
The ongoing competition highlights the unpredictable nature of the WNBA as it heads towards the playoffs. The focus now not only lies in individual performances but also in overall team dynamics as each squad evaluates their short-term and long-term strategies. With decisions looming on potential rebuilds and rookie prospects like Bueckers, teams will weigh their options carefully.
The final weeks promise to be an exciting lead-up to the playoffs, with plenty of action expected as the pursuit of the last postseason berth intensifies. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the implications of each game resonating far beyond the present season alone.
As teams work hard for a last shot at the playoffs, fans can look forward to an exciting end to the regular season. This makes people even more interested in the chances for success now and what might happen in the future for the league.
